Universities and some of Sussex’s most prominent organisations officially came together this month to launch a powerful new commitment to boost regional economic growth and tackle local social and environmental challenges.
Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of Sussex, Brighton and Chichester were joined by the leaders of local authorities, public services, business networks, and community partners from across Sussex – including Brighton & Hove City Council, Gatwick Diamond Business, East and West Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, the FE Sussex consortium of further education colleges, Sussex Police, and NHS Sussex – at Brighton and Hove Albion’s American Express Stadium, to sign the region’s first ever Civic University Agreement (CUA).
The CUA – titled Sustainable, Connected, and Equitable Sussex – is a joint commitment by senior leaders from these organisations to share resources and work in partnership with the three universities to help drive positive change across the region.
It outlines an ambitious civic mission built around three key dimensions:
Environment – championing biodiversity, responding to the climate emergency, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
Learning and health – supporting high-quality education, inclusive skills pathways, and both physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Culture and heritage – protecting Sussex’s rich cultural assets and supporting the creative sector to thrive sustainably.
Through collaborating on joint initiatives, the CUA aims to tackle social inequalities, pioneer new technologies, and drive economic growth throughout Sussex.
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